SportsTips’ NHL Power Rankings 2021: Week 6

SportsTips’ NHL Power Rankings 2021: Week 6
Mon 22nd February 2021

We are six weeks into the season, and there were some significant changes at the top of the NHL Power Rankings. After two weeks at the top spot, Tampa Bay falls to No. 6, opening the door for Toronto to jump into the No. 1 slot. Florida also continues their rapid ascent, moving into the No. 4 spot.

Two teams out West who are playing quite well also moved up the standings. Los Angeles has won four in a row, helping them move up 10 slots. San Jose moved up seven positions. It truly was an exciting week, and only adds to the enthusiasm for Week 7.

Our rankings are based upon a number of factors, including recent level of play, injuries, and quality wins. 

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

Stanley Cup Odds: +850
Record: 14-3-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 2

Toronto had an impressive week, going 3-0-1, moving them up to the top spot in the Power Rankings. They have won their last three games, including a 5-3 victory over Montréal on Saturday. The Maple Leafs now have the best goal differential in the league (+21).

The Maple Leafs start the week with a pair of games at home against Calgary before traveling to Edmonton to finish the week. Toronto is 7-1-1 in February, and it would not be surprising to see them close the month with three straight victories.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Stanley Cup Odds: +1200
Record: 12-3-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 8

Carolina was also 3-0-1 this past week. Their only blemish came in an overtime loss to Florida on Wednesday, 4-3. Otherwise, they defeated Columbus, Chicago, and shut out Tampa Bay on Saturday. That gives them the second-best winning percentage in the NHL (.781) and they have a +19 goal differential, also second in the league.

We are going to learn a lot about how good this Hurricanes team is this week. They start the week at home against the Lightning before traveling to Tampa Bay for a pair of games. They then closed the week against Florida. With that grueling schedule, even a 2-2 week likely keep this team in the No. 2 spot next week.

3. Vegas Golden Knights

Stanley Cup Odds: +800
Record: 10-4-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 3

Vegas had a tough week, but the level of competition also deserved some consideration. They shut out Colorado at home on Sunday, 1-0, before losing a pair of games to the Avalanche, both by 3-2 scores. Nothing to hang your head low about losing to the team that many believe are the next Stanley Cup champions.

Vegas gets a chance to put a little room between themselves and Colorado this week. After facing the Avalanche on Monday, they travel to take on San Jose and then Anaheim. Anything less than at least two victories this week could hurt this team in the rankings next week.

4. Florida Panthers 

Stanley Cup Odds: +2500
Record: 11-3-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 6

After going 3-1-0, Florida moves up two spots in the rankings. They were hurt a little bit by a 2-1 loss to Detroit on Saturday, but victories over both Tampa Bay and Carolina earns the team a move up the rankings. They are now tied with Boston with the third best winning percentage (.750).

Florida is 5-2-1 at home, which is the focus of this week. They start a five-game homestand with three straight against Dallas to begin the week before taking on Carolina on Saturday. None of these games are going to be easy, but if they come away with three victories, we may see them move into the No. 3 slot next week.

5. Boston Bruins

Stanley Cup Odds: +800
Record: 11-3-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 4

Boston lost to New Jersey before defeating Philadelphia on Sunday, 7-3. They dropped one spot in the Power Rankings, but not because of their performance. It was simply a matter of Florida playing exceptionally well last week.

The Bruins have a golden opportunity to improve their position. They take on the New York Islanders on Thursday before traveling to Madison Square Garden for a pair of games against the Rangers. After starting out the month with five straight victories, they have lost two of their last three. Time to get another winning streak going.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning

Stanley Cup Odds: +750
Record: 10-4-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Tampa Bay saw a steep decline, falling five spots in the Power Rankings. A deserving drop after losing both games they played last week, falling to Florida, 6-4 and then to Carolina, 4-0. Some will say there is nothing wrong with losing to two teams ahead of you in the rankings, but this was the No. 1 team last week and expectations are high when you are the team holding that position.

This is a huge week for the Lightning with three games against Carolina before facing Dallas on Saturday. The final three games of the week are at home where the Lightning are 6-1-0.

7. Edmonton Oilers

Stanley Cup Odds: +2000
Record: 12-8-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 9

Edmonton jumps up two spots in the standings after the team won their final three games of the week, including a decisive 7-1 victory over Calgary on Saturday. After giving up six goals on Monday to Winnipeg, Edmonton netminders allowed just four over the final three games. This team already has an incredible scoring punch with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but they need to have confidence in the goaltending of Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith. If they can continue to perform at this level, the Oilers are going to be tough to beat.

They can have an opportunity to really cement their position in the top 10, taking on Vancouver in a pair of games before battling Toronto on Saturday.

8. Colorado Avalanche

Stanley Cup Odds: +700
Record: 9-4-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 11

Colorado jumps back into the top 10 after winning two of three games against Vegas during the week. Philipp Grubauer has established himself as the top goaltender in the NHL, as the Avalanche have allowed six total goals in their four February games.

The schedule does not get easier this week for Colorado. They face Vegas at home on Monday before welcoming Minnesota on Wednesday. The team then travels to Arizona for a pair of games. They have an opportunity to jump to the top spot in the West Division.

9. Winnipeg Jets

Stanley Cup Odds: +4000
Record: 11-6-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 13

Winnipeg moves up four slots in the Power Rankings after winning three of their four games last week. That included splitting a pair of games with Edmonton before sweeping Vancouver. Most impressive was that all four of those games were on the road where Winnipeg is now 5-3-0.

The Jets welcome Montréal for a pair of games this week. The Jets moved ahead of Montréal in the standings and this is their opportunity to put some distance between them and the Canadiens. Winnipeg is 6-3-1 at home.

10. St. Louis Blues

Stanley Cup Odds: +1800
Record: 10-6-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 7

After going 1-2-0, St. Louis fell back three spots. Goaltender Jordan Binnington started out the week well, but then gave up five goals to San Jose on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds.

This is going to be a huge week for St. Louis. Their first seven games of the month were against Arizona, and now they take on the red-hot Los Angeles Kings who have won four straight. They then traveled to San Jose. St. Louis is only 4-4-2 at home, but they must improve on that record with both games against the Kings being at home.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

Stanley Cup Odds: +1800
Record: 8-4-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 10

Philadelphia lost both their games this week, which was not surprising. The team had an extended layoff after two straight postponements and then got bounced by Boston on Sunday, 7-3. The primary concern has to be No. 1 netminder Carter Hart who gave up a pair of goals to New York on Thursday, but was pulled after giving up six on just 23 shots to Boston on Sunday.

Philadelphia has the opportunity to make up some ground this week, as they welcome the Rangers on Wednesday before traveling to take on Buffalo for a pair of games next weekend one more bad outing and it may be Brian Elliott who takes over the No. 1 goaltending duties.

12. Chicago Blackhawks

Stanley Cup Odds: +5000
Record: 9-6-4
Last Week’s Ranking: 12

It may be surprising to see Chicago so high in the rankings, but they did go to-1-0 last week and are having quite the February. The Blackhawks are 6-2-1 and are finally getting outstanding goaltending thanks to the performance of Kevin Lankinen. Patrick Kane has been on fire of late, recording nine points in his last four games and has 19 over his last 10.

This could be an opportunity for Chicago to make some real noise this week as they travel to take on Columbus on Tuesday and Thursday before returning home for a pair of games against Detroit. 

13. Pittsburgh Penguins

Stanley Cup Odds: +2200
Record: 9-6-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 14

It was a good week for Pittsburgh at home, as they went 3-1-0. That helped to move them up a slot. It was outstanding goaltending during the week that really spurred the Penguins to victory. They allowed seven total goals with Tristan Jarry really turning things around. He has allowed three total goals over his last two starts.

Pittsburgh heads to the road this week for four games, taking on Washington on Tuesday and Thursday before heading to the Islanders for a pair of games. The Penguins have not been very good on the road the season at 2-5-1.

14. Montréal Canadiens

Stanley Cup Odds: +1500
Record: 9-5-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 5

Montréal played two games last week and lost both of them, falling to Toronto on Saturday, 5-3, before losing to Ottawa in overtime on Sunday, 3-2. That makes them losers of four of their last five games and they are 4-4-1 in February. Montréal was rolling early behind an offense that was reminding Canadiens fans of those great 1970s clubs. However, they have scored just 13 goals over their last seven games.

Montréal gets a rematch against Ottawa before traveling to Winnipeg for a pair of games. They are solidly in playoff opposition, but the last thing they want is to open the postseason against around.

15. Washington Capitals

Stanley Cup Odds: +2500
Record: 9-5-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 18

Washington went 3-2-0 last week. They started a five-game homestand with a 3-1 victory over Buffalo on Thursday before losing to the Rangers on Saturday. The Capitals rebounded with a 4-3 victory over New Jersey on Sunday. Washington was rolling through January, winning their last five contests and were 7-0-2 for the month. However, they are 3-4-0 in February.

The Capitals have Pittsburgh at home for two before traveling to take on New Jersey next weekend. Netminder Vitek Vanacek has allowed five total goals over his last three starts.

16. Dallas Stars

Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
Record: 5-3-4
Last Week’s Ranking: 19

Dallas had their entire week wiped out by postponements. That was particularly disturbing as they were looking to catapult themselves up the standings with the final four games on an eight game homestand. Unfortunately, all four were wiped out, leaving them 0-1-3 at home during the stretch.

The Stars now head to the road, and it is a brutal week ahead for them. They have three games in Florida before taking on Tampa next Saturday. Dallas could very well find themselves out of the top 20 next week.

17. Minnesota Wild

Stanley Cup Odds: +5000
Record: 8-6-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 20

After losing to the red-hot Kings to start the week, Minnesota closed with a pair of victories over Anaheim, allowing one goal in each game. With No. 1 netminder Cam Talbot out, rookie Kaapo Kahkonen takes over, and he looked very good in both starts last week.

It is a big week for the Wild. They start with San Jose on Monday before traveling to Colorado on Wednesday. The team then comes home for a pair of games against the Kings. Minnesota is only 3-3-0 at home this season.

18. Los Angeles Kings

Stanley Cup Odds: +10,000
Record: 7-6-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 28

Los Angeles is the hottest team in the NHL, currently on a four-game winning streak. They defeated Minnesota on Monday 4-0 before beating Arizona in back-to-back games. Good news for Los Angeles is that Jonathan Quick looks like he has turned things around, allowing two total goals over his last two starts.

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Los Angeles continues a six-game road trip with two games in St. Louis before traveling to Minnesota for a pair of games. The Kings are 4-4-0 on the road this season and a 2-2-0 split would likely be considered a good road trip.

19. New York Islanders

Stanley Cup Odds: +2500
Record: 8-6-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 17

New York started with a pair of victories over Buffalo on Monday and Tuesday before being swept by Pittsburgh in a pair of contests. All four games were on the road, but now the Islanders return home for four straight games. 

They start with Buffalo on Monday, before welcoming Boston on Thursday, and then Pittsburgh for the weekend. The Islanders are 4-0-1 at home. They allowed eight total goals last week.

20. New Jersey Devils

Stanley Cup Odds: +6000
Record: 6-5-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 23

New Jersey opened the week with two victories on the road, but then lost to Buffalo at home on Saturday before losing in Washington on Sunday. The 2-2-0 week was enough to move them up three spots in the Power Rankings, especially considering they allowed 11 total goals during the week.

New Jersey faces Buffalo in a home and home series to start the week before welcoming Washington for a pair of games next weekend.

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

Stanley Cup Odds: +5000
Record: 8-7-4
Last Week’s Ranking: 16

Columbus went 1-2-0 last week, dropping five spots in the rankings. Their only victory was a 3-0 shutout of Nashville on Thursday. Inconsistent goaltending has been a major issue for this team of late. In nine February games they have allowed at least five goals in four of those contests.

The Blue Jackets welcome Chicago for a pair of games on Tuesday and Thursday before traveling to Nashville for two games over the weekend. Right now, they are on the outside of the playoff picture, and need at least three victories this week to improve their position.

22. San Jose Sharks

Stanley Cup Odds: +10,000
Record: 7-7-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 29

San Jose moves up seven spots in the rankings thanks to a 2-0-1 week. Their only loss was a 3-2 shootout defeat against St. Louis on Thursday. The good news is that goaltender Martin Jones is looking much better of late, as San Jose has allowed nine total goals over their last four games.

The Sharks have a big opportunity to make a splash. They have only played two games at home this season, but start an eight game homestand on Monday when they welcome Minnesota. A successful road trip (6-2-0?) Could quickly vault this team into the playoff picture.

23. Arizona Coyotes

Stanley Cup Odds: +5000
Record: 7-7-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 21

After starting out the week with a 1-0 victory over St. Louis, Arizona lost back-to-back games against Los Angeles, finishing the week 1-1-1. Goal scoring was an issue for the Coyotes as they netted five total goals during the week. 

This was supposed to be a golden opportunity for Arizona to jump up in the standings as they are in the midst of a nine game homestand, but are only 1-2-2 through the first five games. The Coyotes welcome Anaheim for two games before Colorado comes in for a pair over the weekend.

24. Calgary Flames

Stanley Cup Odds: +3500
Record: 8-9-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 15

After opening the week with a 4-3 overtime victory over Vancouver, Calgary dropped three straight games. That led to a nine spot drop in the Power Rankings as the team scored just a single goal in each of the last three games.

The season may be all but over for the Flames. They will travel to Toronto to take on the top-seeded Maple Leafs for a pair of games before traveling on to Ottawa. It is probably too much to ask for this team to win three games, but if they do not win at least two their playoff aspirations are over.

25. New York Rangers

Stanley Cup Odds: +4000
Record: 6-7-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 24

New York snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory over Philadelphia on Thursday. They then defeated Washington on Saturday 4-1. They still have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth, but must get better goaltending. They have allowed three total goals over the last two games.

The Rangers travel to Philadelphia on Wednesday before welcoming Boston for a pair of games. New York was swept by Boston at home earlier this month.

26. Anaheim Ducks

Stanley Cup Odds: +8000
Record: 6-9-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 22

Anaheim lost all three games last week, including being swept in a pair of games by Minnesota at home. This is the worst offense in the NHL, and it showed last week as they scored just four total goals. In 18 games, they have scored just 34 goals.

The week presents an opportunity for the Ducks as they travel to Arizona for two games before welcoming Vegas on Saturday. Anaheim is currently in last place in the West Division, and they are going to stay there if they do not get improved offensive production.

27. Vancouver Canucks

Stanley Cup Odds: +8000
Record: 8-12-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 27

Vancouver went 1-1-2 last week, splitting a pair of games with Calgary before losing to Winnipeg on Friday. They lost in overtime to the Jets on Sunday. After a horrific start to the month, goaltenders  Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby have been much better over the last two weeks. In the last seven games they have allowed 18 total goals.

Vancouver welcomes Edmonton for a pair of games starting on Monday. These are the last two of a four-game home stand.

28. Buffalo Sabres

Stanley Cup Odds: +8000
Record: 5-7-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 25

Buffalo lost their first three games of the week, but defeated New Jersey on Saturday, 3-2. The Sabres really struggled offensively after Covid forced two weeks of postponements. Buffalo scored five total goals in the four games, while allowing 11.

It will be a busy week for Buffalo. They have back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, before welcoming New Jersey on Wednesday. They then host Philadelphia for a pair of games over the weekend.

29. Nashville Predators 

Stanley Cup Odds: +8000
Record: 7-10-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 26

The two contests against Dallas were postponed early in the week, then the Predators split a pair of games with Columbus. Nashville is 3-6-0 this month.

Already two of their games are postponed for this week. Probably the two they wish they were able to play as the Tuesday and Thursday contests against Detroit have been delayed. They then welcome Columbus on Saturday and Sunday. Nashville swept a pair of games from the Blue Jackets to begin the season and are 3-1-0 against Columbus this year.

30. Detroit Red Wings

Stanley Cup Odds: +50,000
Record: 5-12-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 30

Detroit lost their first three games of the week, but defeated Florida on Saturday, 2-1. The Red Wings allowed seven goals to Florida on Friday, but have held opponents to three goals or fewer in eight of the 10 games this month.

That is a drastic improvement. However, goal scoring is still a major problem. They scored five total goals in the four games last week and have 18 goals in 10 February games.

The two games against Nashville to start the week have been postponed. Detroit then travels to Chicago for a pair of games over the weekend.

31. Ottawa Senators

Stanley Cup Odds: +50,000
Record: 5-14-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 31

Ottawa defeated Toronto in overtime on Monday, 6-5, but then were beaten by the Maple Leafs in the next two games. They defeated Montréal in overtime on Sunday, finishing the week 2-2-0.

The victory over Montréal on Sunday was a great way to start a five game homestand. The Senators take on the Canadiens on Tuesday before welcoming Calgary for a pair of games. Ottawa is now 2-5-1 at home.

The 2021 NHL is well underway now! If you want to catch up with all the latest information, make sure you visit our NHL hub page.

*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of Bet365.

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